Fluid Dispenser Closure Panel With Detachable Actuation Counter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispensers require users to dismantle the device to read or maintain the counting device, making them unavailable for operation during this time and complicating the process of meter reading and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A fluid dispenser design where the counting device is integrated into the closure panel, allowing it to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the dispenser's operational status, with the counting device being operatively connected to the pump mechanism in the closed position and separable in the open position, enabling simple installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the counting device is firmly connected to the pump mechanism, then the counting function is reliable, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounting function reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure panel is divided into a first closure panel and a second closure panel that can be separated from each other. The counting device is arranged on the second closure panel, allowing it to be detached independently from the pump mechanism while maintaining reliable counting functionality when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The counting device is extracted from the main body of the fluid dispenser and placed on the detachable second closure panel. This allows the counting device to be removed independently for maintenance or replacement without dismantling the entire dispenser or affecting the pump mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the counting device is integrated into the closure panel, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure panel is segmented into two separable parts, with the counting device integrated into the second closure panel. This segmentation allows the counting device to be maintained by simply detaching the second closure panel, avoiding the need to dismantle the entire dispenser.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the closure panel is removed to access the counting device, then the ease of operation for maintenance is improved, but the loss of time occurs during assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenance operationVSAvoidtime loss during maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closure panel is pre-designed with a detachable structure that allows quick separation. The counting device is pre-integrated onto the second closure panel, so no additional disassembly steps are needed during maintenance - users simply detach the pre-configured panel assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the counting device is arranged on the closure panel, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second closure panel serves multiple functions: it provides closure for the fluid dispenser, houses the counting device, and can be detached as a complete assembly for maintenance. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without requiring separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2177141B1Dispenser with electronic counter
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 INGO MFG
  • EP2177141B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2177141B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2177141B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid dispenser (1) with a pump mechanism provided in a dispenser housing (6) and a closure panel (2) which can be placed on at least part of the dispenser housing (6) and which in an open position opens access to the dispenser and in a closed position ( 23) covering the dispenser access, the pumping mechanism being operative in both the open and closed positions (23). The invention is based on the object of improving a fluid dispenser (1) of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the use of the fluid dispenser (1) can be recorded statistically and it is nevertheless readily available and easy to handle. The object is achieved in that a counting device that counts the actuation of the pump mechanism is arranged on the closure screen (2).